A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Summer" in French
The French word for summer, perfect for planning vacations or discussing warm weather.
l'été
lay-TAYneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use 'l'été' when talking about the season itself, like planning your summer holidays or describing the weather. It's also used in expressions like 'en été' (in summer).
Alternatives
- les vacances d'étéUse this specifically for 'summer holidays' or 'summer break'.
- la saison estivaleThis is a more formal or literary way to say 'the summer season'.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 't'
The final 't' in 'été' is silent, so it sounds like 'ay-TAY'.
Forgetting the 'l'
You need the definite article 'l'' before 'été' because it starts with a vowel.
A small cultural note
Summer in France often means people head south to the coast or to the mountains. Many shops and businesses close for a few weeks in August, especially outside major cities.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How do I say 'summer vacation' in French?
You'd say 'les vacances d'été'. This specifically refers to the break period.
When does summer start in France?
Astronomically, summer begins around June 21st and ends around September 21st. The weather often feels like summer earlier and lasts longer, though!
Is 'l'été' masculine or feminine?
'L'été' is a masculine noun. This affects articles and adjectives used with it, like 'le beau temps' (the nice weather).
What is the French word for summer?
The French word for summer is 'été'. It is a masculine noun.
Is été French for summer?
Yes, 'été' is the French word for summer. It is pronounced roughly like 'eh-tay'.
What are the four seasons in French?
The four seasons in French are 'le printemps' (spring), 'l'été' (summer), 'l'automne' (autumn/fall), and 'l'hiver' (winter).
Summer in French masculine or feminine?
The French word for summer, 'été', is a masculine noun. You would use 'l'été' or 'un été'.
